LEC-4 Somatic Symptom Disorders and Malingering Flashcards
_________________ is the presence of one or more somatic symptoms, or symptoms that are suggestive of physical illness or injury that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition, that are distressing and disrupting of one’s daily life. These are accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behavior related to one’s symptoms.
Somatic symptom disorder
________________ is defined as a condition in which somatic symptoms are absent or mild, but the patient is abnormally preoccupied with having or acquiring a serious illness. These patients show high anxiety and a low threshold for becoming alarmed about their health. They also display excessive or maladaptive health behaviors and rituals.
Illness anxiety disorder
The presence of unintentionally produced symptoms or deficits involving voluntary motor or sensory function that do not conform to known anatomical pathways or physiological mechanisms is referred to as _________________.
Conversion disorder
Conversion disorder is more prevalent in (females/males).
Females
The naive, inappropriate lack of emotion or concern shown towards one’s symptoms is often referred to as _______________. It is a rare symptom sometimes seen in patients diagnosed with conversion disorder.
La belle indifference
(T/F) Direct confrontation of a patient suspected of suffering from conversion disorder is recommended.
False. Direct confrontation is not recommended in a patient suspected of having conversion disorder. Instead, a conservative approach of reassurance and relaxation is often the most effective.
The intentional production of physical or psychological symptoms by a patient in order to assume a sick role, but with subconscious motivation or no ulterior motive, is known as _________________.
Factitious disorder
What are the two types of factitious disorder?
I. Factitious disorder imposed on self
II. Factitious disorder imposed on another
Patients with factitious disorder have a(n) (conscious/unconscious) motivation for producing symptoms.
Unconscious motivation
(T/F) Patients with factitious disorder present their medical history with an uncharacteristic dramatic flair but are extremely vague and inconsistent with details after further questioning.
True.
If you suspect a patient of inducing their own hypoglycemia, you should check for increased _________________ ratio, with a ratio > 1 being abnormal.
Serum insulin/C-peptide ratio
What are some other medical causes to consider in a patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder?
I. Multiple sclerosis
II. Systemic lupus erythematosus
III. Acute intermittent porphyria
IV. Hemochromatosis
What is the mnemonic for management of a patient with somatic symptom or related disorders?
BATHE the patient
Background (How is your life going?)
Affect (How do you feel?)
Trouble (What is the most important problem to you?)
Handle (What can help you?)
Empathy (I understand you. This is a very tough situation.)
The intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms with a conscious motivation or ulterior motive is known as _______________.
Malingering
